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Football is the ultimate team game, but all positions are not created equal.

Given the pass-happy nature of today's NFL, quarterbacks are clearly the most important players in the game, due to their responsibilities and direct impact on the outcome. What about the other players on the field? How do team builders rank and prioritize the rest of the positions on the roster?

Given some time to reflect on conversations I've had with scouts and coaches over the years, I thought I'd rank the positions in order of importance/value. Here is my hierarchy, with three notable examples at each spot for quick reference:

1) Quarterback
There's no disputing the importance of the position in 2015. The quarterback is not only the team's biggest decision maker, but his ability to make timely plays and efficiently manage the game routinely determines which team lands in the winner's circle at the end of the season.

» Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
» Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
» Tom Brady, New England Patriots

2) Designated pass rusher 1 (RDE/ROLB)

Given the importance of the quarterback position on the outcome of games, every team must have a defensive playmaker along the front line with the potential to disrupt the timing and rhythm of the passing game. Sacks and quarterback pressures are coveted at a premium, making blind-side pass rushers hot commodities on the open market. Since most signal callers are right-handed, the game's top pass rushers typically align at RDE or ROLB to attack from the back side. J.J. Watt, listed as a notable example just below, is a bit unique, as he moves all over the D-line, but how could I construct a file about positional importance without mentioning the most dominant defensive player in the game today?

» J.J. Watt, Houston Texans
» Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams
» Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants

3) Left tackle
Keeping the all-important quarterback protected is obviously a top priority. Thus, the second-most crucial offensive position is left tackle, due to the presence of dangerous pass rushers on the QB's blind side. Premier LTs are capable of snuffing out dynamic rushers without assistance, and decision makers are always on the hunt for nimble pass protectors with great skill.

» Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
» Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles
» Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys

4) Left cornerback
The NFL's growing emphasis on the passing game makes it imperative to have a talented cover corner in the lineup to discourage throws to the prominent side of the field (for a right-handed QB). While some teams elect to have their top corner "travel" -- to match up with the opponent's top receiver -- traditionalists play the percentages and position their top cover man on the side quarterbacks target the most.

» Darrelle Revis, New York Jets
» Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks
» Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns

5) Wide receiver 1

The rule changes limiting downfield contact with receivers have made WR1s the top playmakers on most offenses. Teams are taking advantage of contemporary officiating by prominently featuring big-bodied and/or speedy receivers in the game plan, to help quarterbacks post ridiculous numbers while moving the offense down the field.

» Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
» Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
» Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers

6) Defensive tackle
Despite the emphasis on the passing game, defensive coaches still build strategies around the initial premise of stopping the run. Interior defenders who can destroy running plays between the tackles while also delivering consistent sack production are worth their weight in gold in today's NFL.

» Ndamukong Suh, Miami Dolphins
» Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
» Aaron Donald, St. Louis Rams

7) Running back
Many of the top teams in the NFL still rely on a powerful ground game fueled by a dominant runner. The presence of a standout RB alleviates the pressure on the quarterback and gives the offense the balance needed to win against elite defenses.

» Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
» Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
» Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers

8) Designated pass rusher 2 (LDE/LOLB)
Ideally, elite defenses have the capacity to attack the passer from both edges. While the DPR1 typically commands the bulk of attention, a dynamic edge rusher on the strong side can exploit an inferior pass protector at right tackle and speed up the quarterback's internal clock.

» Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs
» Von Miller, Denver Broncos
» Cameron Wake, Miami Dolphins

9) Middle linebacker

The "Mike" linebacker remains the primary communication position on defense. He takes the call from the sideline and is primarily responsible for making the adjustments along the front line. In addition, the Mike patrols the box from sideline to sideline and racks up a ton of tackles as the fast-flow player on the second level.

» Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
» Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
» Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers

10) Tight end
The rules restricting excessive contact and big hits on defenseless receivers have led more teams to feature an athletic, big-bodied tight end in the passing game. These basketball-like athletes are outstanding red-zone weapons, but they primarily do their damage between the hashes on various "post-up" plays. With offensive coordinators intent on making life easier for the quarterback, the presence of a big target in the middle increases the efficiency of the passing game.

» Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
» Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks
» Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers

11) Free safety
Most defensive coordinators still subscribe to the theory that elite defenses are strong down the middle. Thus, teams are constantly searching for an impact "MOF" (middle of the field) playmaker to discourage throws between the numbers. Ball skills, instincts and solid tackling ability are required for this critical role in the back end.

» Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks
» Eric Weddle, San Diego Chargers
» Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings

12) Weak-side linebacker

The 4-3 defense is no longer the predominant scheme of choice in the NFL, but "Will" linebackers remain designated playmakers for teams employing the system. These active LBs are encouraged to shoot through open gaps to hit runners in the backfield, and they're incorporated into the pass rush on creative blitzes. Thus, the best players at the position are explosive, athletic and instinctive.

» DeAndre Levy, Detroit Lions
» Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
» Chad Greenway, Minnesota Vikings

13) Right tackle
The notion of right tackles playing primarily as run blockers has changed with more teams relying on the passing game. Pass protectors on the right side must be able to move defenders off the ball while also displaying the agility and lateral quickness to shadow electric edge rushers. Although most teams will, at times, use a running back or tight end to help in protection, the position now requires better athletes and pass blockers.

» Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles
» Sebastian Vollmer, New England Patriots
» Ricky Wagner, Baltimore Ravens

14) Right cornerback
Offensive coordinators routinely throw away from the opponent's top cover corner, leading to more throws to the defensive right. Consequently, defensive coaches are placing better athletes and technicians at right cornerback, to suffocate the passing game.

» Antonio Cromartie, New York Jets
» Vontae Davis, Indianapolis Colts
» Orlando Scandrick, Dallas Cowboys

15) Right guard

Making the Leap
Around The NFL counts down the players we believe will "Make the Leap" in 2015.

The utilization of "slide" protection requires teams to place a solid pass blocker at right guard. This scheme routinely pushes the center to the left to help the left guard, leaving the right guard to face a talented defensive tackle in a one-on-one matchup. In the run game, right guards must be able to move defensive tackles and cut off linebackers on the second level.

» Kyle Long, Chicago Bears
» Marshal Yanda, Baltimore Ravens
» Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys

16) Wide receiver 2
Despite the increased importance of the WR1 and tight end in most NFL passing games, offensive coordinators still covet a legitimate threat on the back side capable of forcing the defense to defend the entire field. Although most WR2s aren't capable of carrying a passing game over the entire season, the best ones have the capacity to anchor the offense on a short-term basis. Thus, they offer tremendous value for teams built around the play of the quarterback.

» Golden Tate, Detroit Lions
» Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
» Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos

17) Center
Some would argue that the center deserves a higher spot on this list, due to his important role as communicator and leader. The center controls most of the adjustments at the line, alleviating some of the pressure on the quarterback to act as the traffic cop. Although offensive coaches place a greater emphasis on instincts and football aptitude, the players at the position with superior athleticism and agility allow creative play designers to utilize crafty schemes at the point of attack.

» Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers
» Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles
» Nick Mangold, New York Jets

18) Strong safety

Strong safeties are pegged as run stoppers, but defensive coordinators also expect them to act as enforcers in the middle of the field on passing plays. Big hitters not only discourage receivers from venturing between the hashes, but their presence in the middle forces quarterback to look elsewhere for high-percentage completions. Given their overall impact, strong safeties might be a tad underrated in the team-building process.

» Kam Chancellor, Seattle Seahawks
» Donte Whitner, Cleveland Browns
» T.J. Ward, Denver Broncos

19) Strong-side linebacker
The reduced role of the running game has turned "Sam" linebackers into two-down players -- unless they exhibit special qualities on passing downs (blitz/pass-rush ability or cover skills). The premier players at the position are versatile defenders with superb agility and athleticism.

» Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers
» Jamie Collins, New England Patriots
» Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders

20) Left guard
Every position along the offensive line has a significant impact on the production of the offense, but many coaches will stash their most vulnerable front-line blocker at left guard. The position requires a blocker to possess the strength and power to move defenders off the ball on running plays, but coaches can mask a player's deficiencies at the point of attack by instructing the center to double-team or chip before climbing to the second level. The same tactics can be employed in pass protection, depending on the athleticism and agility of the left guard.

» Josh Sitton, Green Bay Packers
» Ben Grubbs, Kansas City Chiefs
» Andy Levitre, Tennessee Titans

21) Nose tackle

As the 2015 NFL season approaches, Bucky Brooks is poring over film to determine the best of the best in the NFL. Click on each group below for full analysis and rankings.

Red-zone running backs
Slot receivers
Home-field advantages
Tacklers
Deep threats
Run stuffers
Improvisational quarterbacks
In-game coaches
Nose tackles are viewed as run stuffers, but the elite players at the position also possess the skills to collapse the pocket up the middle. Depending on the scheme (3-4 or 4-3) and skills of the player, a nose tackle typically isn't factored into the pass rush. Thus, an NT capable of delivering significant sack production brings more value to a defense.

» Marcell Dareus, Buffalo Bills
» Dontari Poe, Kansas City Chiefs
» Damon Harrison, New York Jets

22) Wide receiver 3
The aerial evolution of the NFL has led most teams to feature a WR3 (or TE2) instead of a fullback in the starting lineup. Although most WR3s will align in the slot, some teams will move one of their top receivers inside to exploit a favorable matchup against a nickel corner. As a result, the job description for a WR3 is team-specific, but many squads count on the sub-pass catcher to come in and make plays when the defense makes a concerted effort to snuff out the WR1.

» Stevie Johnson, San Diego Chargers
» Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
» Cole Beasley, Dallas Cowboys

23) Kicker
Kickers are routinely treated as afterthoughts by casual observers, but coaches certainly appreciate a scorer capable of putting points on the board from long distance. Kickers adept at knocking the ball through the uprights from 50-plus yards expand the scoring zone for the offense, providing the coordinator with more play-calling options.

» Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots
» Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts
» Matt Bryant, Atlanta Falcons

24) Punter
The field-position battle doesn't show up prominently in the box score, but coaches understand the crucial role punters play in flipping the field. Securing a punter capable of combining hang time and distance is important, but some coaches prefer guys able to consistently knock the ball down inside the 20-yard line on "coffin corner" kicks.

» Thomas Morstead, New Orleans Saints
» Pat McAfee, Indianapolis Colts
» Dustin Colquitt, Kansas City Chiefs

25) Return specialist

The recent rule change on kickoffs has led to more touchbacks and dramatically reduced the role of the kick returner, but special teams coaches still covet a playmaker at the position. Returners capable of pushing the ball out past the 30-yard line not only increase the odds of scoring on offense, but they set the table for winning the field-position battle. Punt returners have more opportunities to impact the game in today's NFL; special teams mavens look for guys with the potential to average 10-plus yards on each touch.

» Devin Hester, Atlanta Falcons
» Jacoby Jones, San Diego Chargers
» Adam Jones, Cincinnati Bengals

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...ack-to-returner

If the Browns draft an offensive lineman I will be extremely disappointed.

Because you don't think we need an offensive linemen, the offensive linemen are not good, or offensive linemen are not fun?

How many times can we prove that strategy doesn't work before we stop?

Excuse my ignorance, but what strategy is that?

Good info Vers; I can guess where you're going with this but curious to find out where you take it.

Thanks. I have an idea of where I wanna go w/this and I just laid-out the foundation, but it's really a fluid thought process and we can follow where it goes. I just hope that people stay focused, keep an open mind, and try to discuss rather than belittle other's thoughts.

Help me out here, ed. Please? You are good at this stuff.

Oh, this may help you and others as we move forward. What got me on this crusade for acquiring impact players was watching Denver's run through the playoffs. Von Miller and Ware absolutely dominated in each game. Their two DT's were a force, as well. See Brook's chart. Part of the reason for the success of the DT's though, was the outside presence of having two great edge rushers. They also had a corner who would cover a guy like Antonio Brown in one game and Gronk in another. All of this makes the rest of defense better.

I started thinking about past Super Bowl winners and I saw a trend. Man, you need impact players at key positions. They make the rest of your roster so much better.

This is no idle thought that just popped into my mind last night. I hope at least a handful of you guys will want to delve deeper into this and we can have a productive discussion.

Thanks. I have an idea of where I wanna go w/this and I just laid-out the foundation, but it's really a fluid thought process and we can follow where it goes. I just hope that people stay focused, keep an open mind, and try to discuss rather than belittle other's thoughts.

Help me out here, ed. Please? You are good at this stuff.

Oh, this may help you and others as we move forward. What got me on this crusade for acquiring impact players was watching Denver's run through the playoffs. Von Miller and Ware absolutely dominated in each game. Their two DT's were a force, as well. See Brook's chart. Part of the reason for the success of the DT's though, was the outside presence of having two great edge rushers. They also had a corner who would cover a guy like Antonio Brown in one game and Gronk in another. All of this makes the rest of defense better.

I started thinking about past Super Bowl winners and I saw a trend. Man, you need impact players at key positions. They make the rest of your roster so much better.

This is no idle thought that just popped into my mind last night. I hope at least a handful of you guys will want to delve deeper into this and we can have a productive discussion.

It's true that we need impact players but as someone else said in another thread, we're full up with "C" level talent, we need to get that average up to "B" level before we can really make use of the impact guys. It's too easy to gameplan for, and shut down an elite player if he's the only one on the field.

I appreciate your point and agree to a large degree but believe that we need to use this year to, hopefully, get the foundation right. Then yeah, we need to get some gamechangers in here...

Drafting offensive linemen early.

Thomas
Mack
Erving
Schwartz

all played last year and we have the second overall worst record in the league.

Drafting offensive linemen early.

Thomas
Mack
Erving
Schwartz

all played last year and we have the second overall worst record in the league.

Great article.

So, if we were to look at the top ten positions on the list and evaluate where the Browns are in each one, that should shed some light on th best draft strategy. Assuming impact players are more likely to be drafted in the first 2 rounds, let's see where that leaves us:

QB: RGIII and Josh McCown. Unless RGIII miraculously improves, big need here.

ROLB: Mingo and Orchard. Could upgrade here, but the cupboard is not bare.

LT: Joe Thomas. Good for now.

LCB: Joe Haden. Good unless injury continues to slow him.

WR 1: Crickets chirping

DT: D Bryant, X Cooper. Could definitely use help here.

RB: Crowell, Johnson. Definitely no impact players here.

LOLB: P Kruger. OK for now, but could use young prospect.

MLB: Kirksey and Carder. Need improvement here.

Voila, number one priority is QB, then WR. After that, it is DT, RB and MLB. Given that we traded away our ability to get an impact QB, the first pick should be a #1 WR. That begs for Laquon Treadwell with the first pick. Second round, hopefully a DT or MLB falls.

Thanks for sticking to the topic. I disagree w/you about an edge rusher. I think that is a huge concern for the Browns.

My top four spots where you need impact players are:

QB: We probably don't have one.

Edge Rusher: We don't have one.

WR: We definitely don't have one.

LT: We do have one.

Good players are fine, but w/out impact players, you ain't going anywhere.

I just read that Spence sent drug tests to all 32 teams.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/04/27/noah-spence-sent-drug-test-results-to-all-32-teams/

That's a lot of urine ... You know that's going to come back as "diluted".

He sent the results, not actual urine.